Lionel Messi has some high expectations for Inter Miami for 2026. He'll aim to lead the Herons to consecutive MLS Cup titles during a season in which they'll be playing at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium. The bigger story for La Pulga may be if Messi can also captain Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles this summer, when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America.

All season, we'll be tracking Messi's game-by-game performances, as the GOAT looks to have another epic season. Here's the latest: April 18: Lionel Messi scores twice in win against Colorado Rapids Messi had two goals in Inter Miami's 3-2 win over the Rapids on Saturday to extend the team's unbeaten streak to seven games. Messi, who opened the scoring when he converted a penalty kick in the 13th minute, scored the go-ahead goal in the 79th minute.

After a Colorado turnover near midfield, Messi cut back near the right corner of the penalty box and flicked a rising shot that split a pair of defenders and slipped inside the back post. Messi has seven goals this season, tied with Sam Surridge and Petar Musa for the most in MLS. Miami (4-1-3) hasn’t lost since a season-opening 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC.

April 11: Messi held scoreless in win against New York Red Bulls In the second match played at Inter Miami's new stadium, Nu Stadium, the defending MLS Cup champions settled for their second draw in a row, this time against the Red Bulls, on Saturday night. In the 55th minute, Messi drew four defenders toward him and helped set up Germán Berterame for a second-half goal that gave Inter Miami its first lead. Messi had a couple golden chances, too.

He had a stellar run but then slipped on his attempt as his shot was deflected out of bounds. In the 94th minute, Messi almost found the back of the net, but his free kick was ultimately deflected by New York goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. April 5: ‘Nu’ Era underway as Messi nets goal in Inter Miami's new stadium Messi scored on the long-awaited opening night in his new home stadium, and Luis Suárez found a way to tie things up late in the second half.

Messi scored on a header in the 10th minute, Suarez hammered home a volley in the 82nd minute and Inter Miami escaped with a 2-2 tie against Austin FC in the defending MLS champions' first match at their still-under-construction stadium near Miami International Airport on Saturday night. Named "Nu Stadium", the venue already has a stand named for Messi — a rare honor for an active player to already have a section of the stadium dedicated to him. MLS Commissioner Don Garber was at the match, lauding the work that David Beckham, who picked Miami 13 years ago, did to get to this day.

Inter Miami, which is in its seventh MLS season and third with Messi, has played home matches in Fort Lauderdale until now. Beckham had another legend in attendance with him as Brazil great Ronaldo joined the festivities. Garber touted the stadium opening as the latest sign of growth for MLS.

"I think our best days are still ahead," he said. "David shined a light on our league, and Leo’s taking that torch, and he’s showing it around. And we’re getting calls from players around the world."

March 31: Messi scores in perhaps last Argentina home match? It didn't take long for Messi to get on the scoresheet in Argentina's 5-0 victory over Zambia at the historic Bombonera in Buenos Aires. Messi assisted Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez with an early strike in the fourth minute in what could be the GOAT's final home match for his home country.

He wasn't done yet, as Messi would double La Albiceleste's lead himself before the break. Messi had an opportunity to complete a hat-trick when Argentina was awarded a penalty early in the second half. Instead of stepping up and taking the penalty himself, he handed the ball to veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, allowing him a scoring opportunity in his final home game.

Otamendi announced that he will retire the national team following the summer's World Cup. March 27: Messi comes on in second half, held scoreless vs. Mauritania Messi was back in action with Argentina for the FIFA international break.

It was the final time the team would play together before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins later in the summer. Of course, reigning champions Messi and Argentina are expected to be among the heavy favorites to win it all. Before that happens, a couple of friendlies in Buenos Aires against two teams from Africa.

Messi started on the bench during Argentina's 2-1 victory over Mauritania and didn't manage to score in the final 45 minutes. Argentina's goals came from Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Paz, but Messi was the one receiving endless cheers from fans in one of the nation's most historic venues, La Bombonera. March 22: Messi scores key goal in win against NYCFC Inter Miami took home the win against NYCFC on Sunday, with Messi scoring the equalizer. At the 61-minute mark, Messi received a free kick, after what most fans believed was a "